All courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts in South West

COVID UPDATE - 24th Feb, 2021: Further to Government announcements on 22nd February we are pleased to confirm we will be re-opening Vlakvark Forge for 1 Day, Weekend and Axe Making Experiences from Saturday, 17th April. We are limiting the number of attendees to 6 for the time being as this allows for good social distancing within the forge. We will have doors and windows open as required for good ventilation so perhaps wear a few layers when you come if the weather doesn’t look so good. Can you handle...

HOORAH! I am going to open up my Studio for one-to-one only workshops from June 2021, when hopefully the majority of us will have had both our vaccines. If you would like to message me, we can agree a date. Can’t wait to see you all again. Create a unique painting with layers of molten beeswax, damar resin and pigments. This ancient medium was originally used by the Egyptians to create portraits. Still relatively unknown, and yet so mesmerising. Working on a wood panel, I will give you personalised tuition...

Welcome to Fazey Woodcraft... In this workshop you will learn all the skills and techniques needed to craft your own wooden spoons by hand, using just an axe & knife. Jack Fazey has been working with wood for over 10 years, carving spoons for about 8 years, and teaching for even longer. In his safe, competent hands you will be guided through the safe use of the axe, sloyd knife and crook knife, as well as shown how to select wood for carving, keep your tools sharp and ultimately how...

Take inspiration from the 16th century mill and its peaceful surroundings on the River Stour in North Dorset. Set in water meadows and surrounded by trees, it has hardly changed since Thomas Hardy, who lived across the fields ,often visited it over 100 years ago. Working from patterns or your own sketches if preferred, you will be shown the various stages used to build up a landscape incorporating the layering techniques that I have developed and my own techniques of using colour and texture to create depth. No specific sewing...

Learn the techniques that I have developed and use in making my still life textile work. Make your own patterns from favourite objects that you bring along (or from objects in my collection), working with painted and printed fabrics, layered and stitched in place to create vibrant and intricate arrangements. As in my landscape courses, no specific sewing skills or sophisticated machines are necessary but please bring a machine, scissors, fabrics that particularly inspire you(I will also have a good supply of fabric available) and, of course, items that you...

A Kuksa is a traditionally hand carved Scandinavian wooden mug or bowl, used for eating and drinking. These two-day courses will cover all the rudiments of carving by hand and tool selection to create your very own beautiful and unique vessel, using traditional techniques and starting with a freshly-cut greenwood log. The principles and practicalities of tool sharpening will also be covered during this course. The course is run over two days to cater for individual designs and allow all abilities of student to achieve a great finish to their...

Welcome to the magical world of automata, the perfect synthesis between craftsmanship, engineering and artistic expression. At the beginning of this one-day, face-to-face course you will learn some basic theories about the most common mechanisms used in mechanical toys and their different building techniques. Based on a design provided by the tutor, each student (maximum 2 participants per course) will then start building their own toy, drawing and cutting cams, cranks and mechanisms, using different type of wood and a vast range of tools available in my workshop (band saw,...

Welcome to the magical world of automata, the perfect synthesis between craftsmanship, engineering and artistic expression. At the beginning of this one-day, face-to-face course you will learn some basic theories about the most common mechanisms used in mechanical toys and their different building techniques. Based on a design provided by the tutor, each student (maximum 2 participants per course) will then start building their own toy, drawing and cutting cams, cranks and mechanisms, using different type of wood and a vast range of tools available in my workshop (band saw,...

Upcycling with Pallets two day course. The course will cover the tools and techniques used in taking apart a pallet and turning it into something new, using upcycling skills and reclaimed timber. This course is for anyone who wishes to learn how to turn pallets into something useful. Courses are run every month throughout the year (except August) just ask for the updated list. Day one: During the day we will cover:- • Pallet sourcing. • Taking apart a pallet. • Designing your project. • Marking out. • Using hand...

An incredibly popular craft at the moment. Come away with a hare or heron for your house or garden. Kate Morell has held a few fabulous workshops at Larkswold, and we are so excited to see her back again for 2021. The workshops are relaxed and friendly and there is a light lunch provided and as many drinks and slices of freshly baked cake as you require throughout the day. Kate will take you through the process of weaving your chosen subject and will help you to achieve it in...